I get to know myself a little bit more everyday. Who I thought I was completely crumbled when my wife of seven years left me in September, and I've been on a journey of self discovery ever since. For example the first time in my life I feel like I'm truly being myself, and it feels great.

I used to bend to the will of my partners. Fold, cave, however you want to say it, I used to put them first and myself always last and it lasted until il I was used up and they either moved on or I did because I was simply too burned out to continue.

I've learned a lot though, in the last few months, first and foremost that I'm stronger than I ever imagined. Second, I'm starting eliminate negative people from my life, those who take and drain my time, energy, and resources and who give nothing back in return. Third, I'm learning to put myself first and take care not to spread myself to thin. It's great that I want to save the world but I can't do much for anyone if I burn out.

Since September, I've begun a relationship with one of my closed and dearest friends. A girl who I've loved for years but could never pursue because life is complicated like that sometimes. She is the sweetest, nicest, most giving person I know. Since being with her, I am once again in touch with my creative side. Something I haven't given much thought to in many years. I've been getting into photography. She edits my photos and does a tremendous job at that. She is also teaching me to play the mandolin which I'm enjoying immensely.

What I’m doing with my life

I worked over the summer as a line therapist, which had me spending most of my time teaching relationship building and development skills to children on the autism spectrum. It was fun, engaging, and rewarding work that I'm totally in love with. Unfortunately, however, I had to give it up to continue my degree and pursue what I really love.

I'm currently resuming my undergraduate degree. My intent is to obtain my BA in education to become a high school biology teacher and LGBT youth advocate.

I’m really good at

Getting lost in my own thoughts

Baking delicious pies- particularly pumpkin and other fruit pies

Roasting poultry- the ducks I cook for Thanksgiving are drool worthy

Executing artistic endeavors- I enjoy many artistic hobbies, from drawing and painting to sewing and embroidery, and I'm generally really good at most anything I try my hand at.

Small romantic gestures- I enjoy performing small romantic gestures. It's not at all uncommon for me to give someone I' care about a random bunch of fresh picked flowers, cutesie love notes, poetic verses, or small gifts for no reason.

Making up horrible puns.

The first things people usually notice about me

My hair. It's voluptuous and gets a lot of attention.

Aside from that, people tend to notice that I'm intellectual. I have a ton of interests and hobbies, a corny sense of humor and I'm very lovable. I can come off as a bit pompous at first, but that tends to fade once you get to know me.

Favorite books, movies, shows, music, and food

My favorite book is Battle Royale by Koushun Takami. Favorite movie is The Orphanage. Show-Buffy, Song-Please, Please, Please, Let me get what I want this time-By: The Smiths, and I'm a sucker for most all types of sushi.

I'm odd in that I'm so opinionated I actually have favorite everything. Go ahead, think of a category, any catagory, and I bet I have a favorite thing in it. No, seriously, try it! :P

Why the trip going somewhere always seems to take longer than the trip back, even if you follow the same route.

I find myself fascinated by individual histories. I like to visit cemeteries and think about the lives of the people there. What were their occupations, were they happy, did they die with regrets, are they remembered or thought of fondly? I especially find myself often wondering how people died, particularly if they were young. I guess this also explains my fondness for the "Spoonriver Anthology" by Edgar Lee Masters, one of the greatest poetic works in existence.

I think a lot about travel and places I'd like to see.

If I could imbue my younger self with the knowledge I possess today, how would I change things?

Wondering how my perception of the world differs from that of other people.

This is really just a fraction of my day to day thoughts. I honestly think about so many things, it would be impossible to document them all.

On a typical Friday night I am

Up for anything! I'm new in town and don't know very many places or people. I'd really like to meet someone who can show me around.

The most private thing I’m willing to admit

It's not especially private but I was an exotic dancer for two years and I have learned some really fun tricks from my experiences.

I'm also transgender.

You should message me if

You are into nerdy hobbies. You have a bit of a penchant for punky inwardly gothic boys, who are obsessed with all things macabre. You like amazing music. You are curious. You think nice, gentlemanly guys with glasses are sexy.